Major SA contribution to reproductive health

Tuesday, 7 March 2006

Thirteen South Australians will be honoured for their lifetime contributions to the field of human reproductive health at a world congress organised by the University of Adelaide this week.

The 13, which include posthumous recognition for Professor John Kerin, will be formally inducted to the South Australian Reproductive Hall of Fame, at a special ceremony at the end of the 'Human Reproductive Health Through the Ages' congress on Friday, March 10.

Professor Robert Norman, Director of the University of Adelaide's Research Centre for Reproductive Health, said: "Over the years Adelaide has gained a worldwide reputation as a centre of excellence for research and practice in reproductive medicine. These 13 clinicians and scientists have made enormous contributions to the advancement of reproductive health which has come from this State."

The SA Reproductive Hall of Fame inductees are:
Professor David Armstrong is a pioneer in ovarian function and reproductive hormones and has contributed greatly to livestock reproductive research. He used to direct a Medical Research Council unit in Canada;
Dr Margaret Davy is an internationally known specialist in cancer in women. She has run an oncology service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital as well as services in South Australia and the Northern Territory;
Professor Warren Jones was a founding Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Flinders University and is a pioneer in assisted reproduction and the immunology of reproduction;
Professor Stephen Judd is a reproductive endocrinologist and former head of the Flinders Reproductive Medicine Unit. His research area is in the brain's control of ovarian function;
Professor John Kerin (deceased) was a pioneer in IVF and in new techniques of female sterilisation. He was an international expert in reproductive medicine who helped put South Australia on the map;
Professor Marc Keirse is an obstetrician who was until recently Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Flinders University. He is an expert in evidence-based obstetrics;
Dr John O'Loughlin is a prominent obstetrician who has been awarded many honours in his time and who has served on a great many health-related committees. He has combined quality of clinical care with a strong commitment to research and mentorship of many people in obstetrics and gynaecology;
Professor Colin Matthews was one of the first people in the world to set up a sperm bank. Until he retired in 1998, he was in charge of the University of Adelaide Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Reproductive Medicine Unit. His contribution to reproductive technology is respected throughout the world and he assisted in setting up the legal framework for reproductive technology in South Australia;
Dr David Morris, University of Adelaide and Director of Clinical Training at the Women's and Children's Hospital, has made a substantial contribution to the teaching of medical students and clinical research;
Dr Ossie Petrucco is Director of Gynaecology at the Women's and Children's Hospital and is particularly well known for his pioneering work in reproductive microsurgery in males and females and for his contributions to assisted reproductive technology. He retires from the University of Adelaide in June;
Professor Jeffrey Robinson is Professor and Head of Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide. He is an outstanding researcher and continues to conduct pioneering research in fetal physiology and interactions with the mother. He is one of the founders of the University's fertility company, Repromed;
Professor Bob Seamark became famous for achieving Australia's first transgenic pigs and established much of the reproductive molecular biology in Australia;
Dr John Svigos is in private practice and has contributed extensively to research studies through the Women's and Children's Hospital. He is an outstanding teacher of students and mentor to registrars;

Human Reproductive Health Through the Ages is being held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide on 7-10 March. The Reproductive Hall of Fame induction will take place at 4pm on Friday, March 10.

Contact Details